Assisting Cr Humphries break through the black soil was Puma Energy Australia general manager Ray Taylor and Puma’s national construction manager Stuart Moodie.

Cr Humphries thanked Puma for their commitment as anchor tenants.

“Council made a commitment six years ago to establishing the Gateway and now it is starting to bear fruit. The way wheat is being harvested and cotton crops are looking it seems Puma is bringing good luck.”

Tenders will soon be released, while Mr Moodie starts planning the crucial stripping of the site.

He said the type of country would change usual preparation and building methods.

“Structurally installing the underground tanks and paving for the car park will be the first tasks to complete; we’re looking at a 30-week on-site job,” he said.

Mr Moodie noted Moree’s great supply capacity with cranes, concrete and other essential materials being able to be sourced.

“Obviously we will be using our preferred principal contractor but we will encourage them to engage with local tradespeople, suppliers and vendors,” he said.

Their smart business plan will see the land established in two stages; the first worth $7.5 million. “It will be an incremental case to future develop the site after stage one.”

Puma Energy has 15 travel centres throughout Australia.